Faculty Profile: Krisann Hodges

Krisann Hodges has served as the General Counsel for the Tennessee Department of Human Services since 2019.  As General Counsel, she is responsible for directing all legal services for DHS.  Krisann was promoted to Deputy Commissioner in 2022, and she now leads the Appeals and Hearings Division and People Operations Division as well as the Office of General Counsel. 

Before joining DHS, Krisann served with the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility (TBPR) for over 10 years. During her tenure at the TBPR, she had the opportunity to serve in multiple roles which progressed from Disciplinary Counsel to Deputy Chief Disciplinary Counsel.  From 1996 to 2007, Krisann worked for the Department of Children’s Services in various roles, including Regional General Counsel in the Mid-Cumberland region. She began her legal career in the 25th Judicial District as an Assistant District Attorney for child support services.  Krisann earned a J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law.

Krisann is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association.  She successfully completed several state leadership programs, including LEAD and TGEI.  One of her favorite accomplishments is graduating from the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) trial skills academy, an intensive workshop conducted at Stanford University.  Krisann is a Rule 31 Mediator.  She dedicates her private time to mentor law school students perfect their writing skills.